Visit Extension Master Gardeners at the Fair

Over 50 trained and knowledgeable Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be answering questions from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Agriculture Horticulture Building at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 23 through Sept. 3.

Apples, Japanese beetles and tomatoes were the most common topics last year. Veteran State Fair volunteer Paul Wood expects similar questions this year.

“But I have noticed an increase in questions about pollinators at the local farmers’ markets. We might see that at the fair as well,” says Wood of Dakota County. He looks forward to working at the booth each year. “I enjoy gardening and I enjoy sharing what I have learned with others so they can enjoy their gardens.”

“Our mission is education and outreach and what better place than the Great Minnesota Get Together! I have noticed over the years that people expect us to be there because they come armed with samples and pictures. It points out what a great service and how popular our booth is.”

Become an Extension Master Gardener

If you love nature and green spaces, enjoy learning new things and want to give back to your community, consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener.

The University of Minnesota has trained thousands of Extension Master Gardeners, who each year contribute more than 140,000 hours of service in Minnesota communities. It doesn’t take much to get started—just 48 hours of education, 50 hours of volunteering in your first year, and 25 hours each year thereafter.